News Blog

A recent audit of north Queensland building sites by the QBCC revealed widespread use of non-compliant practices in relation to restraints on the tops of internal partition walls. The QBCC identified a number of builders restraining the tops of internal timber walls by firing framing nails into metal… Read More

There appears to be a growing trend, probably for aesthetic reasons, to encase timber deck bearers and posts and other structural members in either masonry veneers or rendered 'blue board' type external surfaces. As can be seen in the photograph below, this trend is resulting in premature decay failure… Read More

At the 2016 Home Timber & Hardware Group National Conference a group of women from all corners of Australia met and immediately formed a bond. Through conversation they discovered that they shared similar challenges and found, that via their different strengths and areas of expertise, they were able… Read More

The world's tallest timber building has been completed in Canada - four months ahead of schedule. Expecting to accommodate 700 students by September 2017, the 18-storey tall building Brock Commons at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver got under way in November last year. It is the first… Read More

Up to one-quarter of employers do not frequently empower their workers through active consultation around safety and do not always treat their workers justly – especially when investigating accidents, according to Safe Work Australia research.
Furthermore, small businesses in particular are less likely… Read More

Big news from the Home Timber & Hardware Group. Metcash Limited (Mitre 10) will acquire 100% of the HTH Group Business. See below for further details on the sale.
James AylenGeneral Manager, Home Timber & Hardware Group
24 August 2016
Refer to the ASX announcements for further information Read More

Using stirrups or uprights to support a post out of the ground is a great way to provide longevity for your fence or structure as the wooden post is less likely to suffer any rot.
If you are setting uprights or stirrups to install a pergola post or posts to support a roof structure please refer to… Read More

At the Queensland Industry Award Night held on July 23rd at the Tivoli in Bowen Hills, Special Guest MC Chris 'Bomber' Bombalas had to keep repeating SIMON HOME as he announced the awards. Meet our 'legends'.
While our lads might not be the most photogenic bunch, they're definitely some of the most… Read More

Moving or renovating your house can be very exciting but for many it also proves to be one of the more stressful chapters of life. At SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE we'll equip you with all you need to make renovating fun and stress free.
Whether your renovation project is considered more of a simple… Read More

SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE has an extensive range of products to assist with your renovation project and you’ll also find knowledgeable staff to ensure you’ll choose the right product to get the job done right the first time.
If you’ve never been to our store before, we think you’ll be surprised,… Read More

This new product is a DIYer's dream: If you're looking for an easy and attractive paving solution to enhance your property, look no further.
We recently introduced Azek Pavers at the Toowoomba Spring Home Show. The interest was amazing with visitors ordering for a multitude of purposes. They are… Read More

If you're a Toowoomba Builder or Tradie you've most likely heard of SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE. We used to go under the name of SID'S PLACE. We've been around for a very long time, supplying locals with great quality building material & timber.
Unfortunately, many building suppliers in the region… Read More

READ OUR LATEST UPDATE HERE
The Coolum Beach Frame and Truss plant modernisation and upgrade has been running full steam ahead in April with the arrival and installation of the third phase of the production improvements, the Flo-Max conveyer system.
Following on from Phase 1, the installation of the… Read More

In the official press release sent out to media following the event, Home Timber & Hardware Group's (HTHG) said its recent National Conference brought together the largest gathering of industry leaders and key influencers. It said it delivered a record sales event that helped to confirm the group's position… Read More

Ian Glover - A Legend within Simon's Home Timber & Hardware
50 Years in the making!
Ian Glover has managed to do what very few employee's can do nowadays, clocking up a massive 50 years with Simon Home Timber & Hardware. Starting out as an eager 16 year old tasked with the job of floor sweep, he has… Read More

Contrary to HIA advice the QBCC have decided that any use of nail guns for framing anchors and straps will be deemed to be defective work and be directed to be replaced: hand nailing only will be acceptable. While there may be issues with the inappropriate fitting of these fixtures in some cases, banning… Read More

A Farewell Lunch was held for CEO Ross Simon, with newly appointed Company General Manager John Ryan joining the festivities at Toowoomba Golf Club on December 14th, albeit not officially taking on this role until 11th January.
Also attending were many members of the Simon family, the company directors… Read More

Karuna has for 23 years been enhancing the quality of life of terminally ill clients, their carers and families. We were glad to support this year's Christmas market, which was deemed the best ever, raising attention and funds for their cause.
This year's Karuna Christmas Market was held on 20th… Read More

For 19 years we've held a Race Day at the Toowoomba Turf Club , together with many of our major suppliers, to thank our Customers for their loyalty and support.Being on Halloween this year, some customers and suppliers really got into the 'spirit' of things.Sadly, this is CEO's Ross Simon's last Race… Read More

It's the weekend and you want to quickly get this job out of the way so you can really start your weekend. So, there's nothing worse to find that your mower is playing up, right? .
To ensure that your lawn mower is always ready to go and to maximise its life span, here are some easy to follow mower… Read More

Thinking of building a retaining wall? Whether you're in the building / landscaping business or a DIYer, here's an easy to use solution for creating solid, aesthetically pleasing retaining walls from timber sleepers. Proudly developed and designed in Australia.
Below view the step-by-step video and… Read More

While Simon Home Timber & Hardware has been around for four generations, previously known as Sid's Place, since rebranding, the Ipswich branch celebrated its 1st Birthday in great company. The Ipswich Jets made this milestone very special indeed.
We thank the Ipswich Jets for their participation in… Read More

While Sid's Place has been around for four generations of Simons in Toowoomba, on 18th April 2015 the company relaunched itself as SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE, having joined the HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE group.
Here are a few videos capturing some of the atmosphere and activities on the day.
We… Read More

Each year, Simon Home organises a fun Annual Race Day in Toowoomba for its 100 Top Customers on the Saturday before Melbourne Cup Day.
Our next Annual Race Day is on October 31st 2015 - watch this space for photos and videos.
Read More

Simon Home is proud to be part of this project, supplying the roof trusses for the new Senior Science Building at the Glennie School in Herries Street. Toowoomba. Quoted and detailed in Toowoomba. Manufactured by our frame and truss plant in Coolum Beach.
Building - Senior Science Building Architect… Read More

SIMON HOME Timber & Hardware is a trusted, fourth generation, family owned building material and hardware business with branches in Ipswich & Toowoomba. If you work a trade, there are many reasons why you should consider us as your preferred supplier of your materials. See below.
JOIN US FOR A… Read More

After having informed staff of his retirement plans at the end of this year, Ross Simon informed customers and suppliers. The response has been bitter-sweet. There is no doubt that everone who has dealt with Ross over the past 37 years, will miss him. But there is also much understanding for his wish… Read More

It's only the beginning of October and already temperatures are soaring to record highs for this time of year. Is your Bushfire Survival Plan in place?
Even the simplest of things, like internal fire alarms in your home, can save the life of you and your loved ones. And don't forget to have a first-aid-kit… Read More

We are seeking help from fellow tradies and the Toowoomba media and business community to make a contribution or sponsor items for a planned Xmas Appeal Auction to be held on Saturday 28th November.
Mitch is a young Toowoomba Tradie - his family a long-time customer of Simon Home - who is suffering… Read More

While this article focuses mainly on the Sydney & Melbourne Property markets, the questions a property owner should ask if thinking of selling are pretty universal.
- When is the right time to sell?- What kind of properties are in high demand in the market?- What are some of the things to look for… Read More

We always knew that we have some very talented people at SIMON HOME but now we also have an award-winning artist amongst us.
Emily won her division AND Grand Champion at the Gatton Show recently with her entry "DESPAIR"
When I asked her what had inspired her, she was kind enough to share a very… Read More

While the sale doesn't start until 16th September, we've managed to get a forward copy of the catalogue. We just love the Argyle Deluxe combined sofa & dining set. Not just space saving, but no need to spend money on two different settings. It's like having your cake and eating it too. Check it out… Read More

This DIY project was undertaken by CBA business manager Geoff Reid, enhancing his garden at his home in Top Camp (Hodgson Vale) with this lovely feature area.
He used Simon Home Timber & Hardware timber for the edging in his project. See the process here.
Read More

Safety alert issued after discovery of asbestos in building panels
Reported by Haydee | 11:14am, Wednesday 12 August, 2015
Photo: SafetyCulture Library
A prohibition notice has been issued to a building site in Sydney after asbestos in fibrous building panels has been discovered.
Tests conducted… Read More

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply The Honourable Mark Bailey
Toowoomba Second Range Crossing preferred tenderer announced
Nexus was today announced as the preferred tenderer to deliver the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.
Deputy… Read More

Economic situation is complex in 2015/16
- Glenn Stevens calls Sydney house prices "crazy" -
Forecasting the housing market has become something of a shared preoccupation for much of Australia. The Australian economy is still in a weak stage of recovery - its recuperation not helped by various… Read More

Public speculation about a housing bubble ignores the real culprits of Australia's housing affordability problems, says the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
"We wouldn't be having this conversation if Australia would get the disproportionately high level of taxation off new homes and improve the… Read More

Builders and Home Buyers need to be aware that as of 1st July 2015 existing HIA Building Contacts and Legal Documents will be superseded
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission Amendment Bill passed Parliament earlier this year. As a consequence there will be some major changes to domestic… Read More

Restricting access to negative gearing for residential property would reduce investment in housing, erode housing affordability and put upward pressure on rents, said Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia's residential building industry. Read the full article here
Tell us what you think… Read More

Ipswich residents: Imagine being able to help your kid's school, your favourite charity or even sporting club raise dire-needed funds without more effort than simply doing what you normally do. And, if we told you that by helping without any extra effort on your part, you could even win a BBQ Party… Read More

The Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia’s residential building industry, has released the inaugural edition of Renovations Roundup, a comprehensive insight into the nation’s home renovations sector.
The Renovations Roundup report includes the results of a unique HIA survey of Australia’s… Read More

Housing Boom?
The cost of construction has remained steady for the last quarter century; the entire housing price boom has been in the land component.
Effectively what these graphs mean is that while the current housing bubble (as defined by Macrobusiness) does provide some boost to home improvement,… Read More

Feature News

A recent audit of north Queensland building sites by the QBCC revealed widespread use of non-compliant practices in relation to restraints on the tops of internal partition walls. The QBCC identified a number of builders restraining the tops of internal timber walls by firing framing nails into metal… Read More

There appears to be a growing trend, probably for aesthetic reasons, to encase timber deck bearers and posts and other structural members in either masonry veneers or rendered 'blue board' type external surfaces. As can be seen in the photograph below, this trend is resulting in premature decay failure… Read More

The world's tallest timber building has been completed in Canada - four months ahead of schedule. Expecting to accommodate 700 students by September 2017, the 18-storey tall building Brock Commons at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver got under way in November last year. It is the first… Read More

Big news from the Home Timber & Hardware Group. Metcash Limited (Mitre 10) will acquire 100% of the HTH Group Business. See below for further details on the sale.
James AylenGeneral Manager, Home Timber & Hardware Group
24 August 2016
Refer to the ASX announcements for further information Read More

Using stirrups or uprights to support a post out of the ground is a great way to provide longevity for your fence or structure as the wooden post is less likely to suffer any rot.
If you are setting uprights or stirrups to install a pergola post or posts to support a roof structure please refer to… Read More

Moving or renovating your house can be very exciting but for many it also proves to be one of the more stressful chapters of life. At SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE we'll equip you with all you need to make renovating fun and stress free.
Whether your renovation project is considered more of a simple… Read More

SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE has an extensive range of products to assist with your renovation project and you’ll also find knowledgeable staff to ensure you’ll choose the right product to get the job done right the first time.
If you’ve never been to our store before, we think you’ll be surprised,… Read More

READ OUR LATEST UPDATE HERE
The Coolum Beach Frame and Truss plant modernisation and upgrade has been running full steam ahead in April with the arrival and installation of the third phase of the production improvements, the Flo-Max conveyer system.
Following on from Phase 1, the installation of the… Read More

In the official press release sent out to media following the event, Home Timber & Hardware Group's (HTHG) said its recent National Conference brought together the largest gathering of industry leaders and key influencers. It said it delivered a record sales event that helped to confirm the group's position… Read More

Ian Glover - A Legend within Simon's Home Timber & Hardware
50 Years in the making!
Ian Glover has managed to do what very few employee's can do nowadays, clocking up a massive 50 years with Simon Home Timber & Hardware. Starting out as an eager 16 year old tasked with the job of floor sweep, he has… Read More

Contrary to HIA advice the QBCC have decided that any use of nail guns for framing anchors and straps will be deemed to be defective work and be directed to be replaced: hand nailing only will be acceptable. While there may be issues with the inappropriate fitting of these fixtures in some cases, banning… Read More

A Farewell Lunch was held for CEO Ross Simon, with newly appointed Company General Manager John Ryan joining the festivities at Toowoomba Golf Club on December 14th, albeit not officially taking on this role until 11th January.
Also attending were many members of the Simon family, the company directors… Read More

Karuna has for 23 years been enhancing the quality of life of terminally ill clients, their carers and families. We were glad to support this year's Christmas market, which was deemed the best ever, raising attention and funds for their cause.
This year's Karuna Christmas Market was held on 20th… Read More

While Simon Home Timber & Hardware has been around for four generations, previously known as Sid's Place, since rebranding, the Ipswich branch celebrated its 1st Birthday in great company. The Ipswich Jets made this milestone very special indeed.
We thank the Ipswich Jets for their participation in… Read More

Simon Home is proud to be part of this project, supplying the roof trusses for the new Senior Science Building at the Glennie School in Herries Street. Toowoomba. Quoted and detailed in Toowoomba. Manufactured by our frame and truss plant in Coolum Beach.
Building - Senior Science Building Architect… Read More

After having informed staff of his retirement plans at the end of this year, Ross Simon informed customers and suppliers. The response has been bitter-sweet. There is no doubt that everone who has dealt with Ross over the past 37 years, will miss him. But there is also much understanding for his wish… Read More

It's only the beginning of October and already temperatures are soaring to record highs for this time of year. Is your Bushfire Survival Plan in place?
Even the simplest of things, like internal fire alarms in your home, can save the life of you and your loved ones. And don't forget to have a first-aid-kit… Read More

Safety alert issued after discovery of asbestos in building panels
Reported by Haydee | 11:14am, Wednesday 12 August, 2015
Photo: SafetyCulture Library
A prohibition notice has been issued to a building site in Sydney after asbestos in fibrous building panels has been discovered.
Tests conducted… Read More

Public speculation about a housing bubble ignores the real culprits of Australia's housing affordability problems, says the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
"We wouldn't be having this conversation if Australia would get the disproportionately high level of taxation off new homes and improve the… Read More

The Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia’s residential building industry, has released the inaugural edition of Renovations Roundup, a comprehensive insight into the nation’s home renovations sector.
The Renovations Roundup report includes the results of a unique HIA survey of Australia’s… Read More

Housing Boom?
The cost of construction has remained steady for the last quarter century; the entire housing price boom has been in the land component.
Effectively what these graphs mean is that while the current housing bubble (as defined by Macrobusiness) does provide some boost to home improvement,… Read More